LIVESTRONG.COM Members' Powerful Quit-Smoking Success Stories

Ann Rusnak
updated on November 16, 2017

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Are you looking for motivation in your personal quest to quit smoking? Find inspiration in these LIVESTRONG.com members' stories of how they successfully came out on top in the battle against nicotine! Read all about their journey, including struggles along the way and their best advice that they want to share with others who are also working toward the goal of beating that awful addiction. They did it, and so can you! Check back frequently — new success stories are added often! Don't forget to download the newly designed, physician-approved MyQuit Coach app.

Credit:
LIVESTRONG.COM

Are you looking for motivation in your personal quest to quit smoking? Find inspiration in these LIVESTRONG.com members' stories of how they successfully came out on top in the battle against nicotine! Read all about their journey, including struggles along the way and their best advice that they want to share with others who are also working toward the goal of beating that awful addiction. They did it, and so can you! Check back frequently — new success stories are added often! Don't forget to download the newly designed, physician-approved MyQuit Coach app.

How Christi M. Used MyQuit Coach to Stop Smoking

"I'm happier, healthier, and more energetic, and I feel more free than I have in the entire 15 years that I smoked. I'm better both as a mom and as a cop. Quitting has been the catalyst for every single improvement that I wanted in my life, and I feel unstoppable!" ~Christi

STATS: Age: 34 Number of Years Smoked: 15 Smoke-Free Since: February 4, 2015

"I'm happier, healthier, and more energetic, and I feel more free than I have in the entire 15 years that I smoked. I'm better both as a mom and as a cop. Quitting has been the catalyst for every single improvement that I wanted in my life, and I feel unstoppable!" ~Christi

STATS: Age: 34 Number of Years Smoked: 15 Smoke-Free Since: February 4, 2015

How Mike M. Used MyQuit Coach to Stop Smoking

"Today I am in good shape, especially for my age. I exercise every other day at the gym, doing cardio workouts to challenge and strengthen my heart and lungs after decades of nicotine abuse. ... I am so very thankful to have succeeded in escaping this horrible addiction and finding a new life. Quitting smoking was the single most important thing I've done in my life." ~Mike

STATS: Age: 62 Number of Years Smoked: 40+ Smoke-Free Since: August 2015

"Today I am in good shape, especially for my age. I exercise every other day at the gym, doing cardio workouts to challenge and strengthen my heart and lungs after decades of nicotine abuse. ... I am so very thankful to have succeeded in escaping this horrible addiction and finding a new life. Quitting smoking was the single most important thing I've done in my life." ~Mike

STATS: Age: 62 Number of Years Smoked: 40+ Smoke-Free Since: August 2015

How Ginger R. Used MyQuit Coach to Stop Smoking

"I didn't know the effect nicotine had on my brain chemistry -- how it actually highjacks the dopamine (feel-good chemical) in your brain and therefore keeps you hooked and coming back for more. I didn't know the feeling of relief after inhaling nicotine was actually only relief from nicotine-withdrawal stress, not relief from any real stress. I began to really understand why nicotine is so addictive -- and why I must never take another puff." ~Ginger

"I didn't know the effect nicotine had on my brain chemistry -- how it actually highjacks the dopamine (feel-good chemical) in your brain and therefore keeps you hooked and coming back for more. I didn't know the feeling of relief after inhaling nicotine was actually only relief from nicotine-withdrawal stress, not relief from any real stress. I began to really understand why nicotine is so addictive -- and why I must never take another puff." ~Ginger

How Laura S. Used MyQuit Coach to Stop Smoking

"Don't be afraid of failing. Go easy on yourself and just keep trying. Love yourself and understand that for some of us it is very hard to quit, but it's not impossible. Try everything you can and don't give up. We're all different, and the method that works for you might not be the same method that works for someone else." ~Laura

STATS: Age: 33 Number of Years Smoked: 13 Smoke-Free Since: April 22, 2011

"Don't be afraid of failing. Go easy on yourself and just keep trying. Love yourself and understand that for some of us it is very hard to quit, but it's not impossible. Try everything you can and don't give up. We're all different, and the method that works for you might not be the same method that works for someone else." ~Laura

STATS: Age: 33 Number of Years Smoked: 13 Smoke-Free Since: April 22, 2011

How Mark P. Used MyQuit Coach to Stop Smoking

"Life is much different without smoking. I no longer need to be somewhere as soon as my schedule allows time to smoke a cigarette. I no longer have to brave the subzero New York winter temperatures for a few measly puffs. I no longer tell my children to wait a few minutes while I smoke. I can play with my daughters without being out of breath. The possibilities are limitless, and I plan on exploring all of them." ~Mark

STATS: Age: 28 Number of Years Smoked: 7 Smoke-Free Since: July 28, 2014

"Life is much different without smoking. I no longer need to be somewhere as soon as my schedule allows time to smoke a cigarette. I no longer have to brave the subzero New York winter temperatures for a few measly puffs. I no longer tell my children to wait a few minutes while I smoke. I can play with my daughters without being out of breath. The possibilities are limitless, and I plan on exploring all of them." ~Mark

STATS: Age: 28 Number of Years Smoked: 7 Smoke-Free Since: July 28, 2014

How Evan S. Used MyQuit Coach to Stop Smoking

"Honestly, the biggest secret to my success was the MyQuit Coach app, which introduced me to the LIVESTRONG.COM Quit Smoking community message board. It was the only variable that had changed in my repeated attempts to quit smoking and it made all the difference for me. This time, I had the Quit Smoking community behind and beside me every step of the way. The bond and support we share exists still to this day. ... We all share and understand the everyday struggles in this nicotine battle, and having each other to fall back on for support in that journey is priceless." ~Evan

STATS: Number of Years Smoked: 17 Smoke-Free Since: December 31, 2010

Read more: Read Evan's quit-smoking success story

Credit:
Evan S.

"Honestly, the biggest secret to my success was the MyQuit Coach app, which introduced me to the LIVESTRONG.COM Quit Smoking community message board. It was the only variable that had changed in my repeated attempts to quit smoking and it made all the difference for me. This time, I had the Quit Smoking community behind and beside me every step of the way. The bond and support we share exists still to this day. ... We all share and understand the everyday struggles in this nicotine battle, and having each other to fall back on for support in that journey is priceless." ~Evan

STATS: Number of Years Smoked: 17 Smoke-Free Since: December 31, 2010

Read more: Read Evan's quit-smoking success story

How Clint Used MyQuit Coach to Stop Smoking

"Never quit quitting. Quitting isn't easy; it's a constant uphill battle. But, if you really want to stop smoking you really can do it. Find ways to fight the cravings. They can be bad when you first get started. Grab an apple or big glass of cold water, (use a straw). Go for a brisk walk, or jump on the treadmill for a run. Learn to replace those cravings and cigarettes with healthy habits. And finally, stick with it. The physical addiction to the nicotine will be out of your system in a matter of a few days. After that, it's all a head game." ~Clint

"Never quit quitting. Quitting isn't easy; it's a constant uphill battle. But, if you really want to stop smoking you really can do it. Find ways to fight the cravings. They can be bad when you first get started. Grab an apple or big glass of cold water, (use a straw). Go for a brisk walk, or jump on the treadmill for a run. Learn to replace those cravings and cigarettes with healthy habits. And finally, stick with it. The physical addiction to the nicotine will be out of your system in a matter of a few days. After that, it's all a head game." ~Clint

What Do YOU Think?

Which piece of advice did you find most helpful? Were there any stories you found especially inspiring? Have you quit smoking, or are you trying to quit smoking? What helped you stay motivated? We want to hear about your quit smoking stories in the comments. Did you use the MyQuit Coach app to help you quit? Email us at Livestrong.comSuccessStory@livestrong.com and you could be featured in one of our success stories!

Which piece of advice did you find most helpful? Were there any stories you found especially inspiring? Have you quit smoking, or are you trying to quit smoking? What helped you stay motivated? We want to hear about your quit smoking stories in the comments. Did you use the MyQuit Coach app to help you quit? Email us at Livestrong.comSuccessStory@livestrong.com and you could be featured in one of our success stories!